When you want to see inspirational art and design up close, you might be tempted to book a flight to Paris to partake of the delights of the Louvre, or take a train to Dundee to see Scotland’s global design hub, the V&A.
But although these are terrific trips for anyone with an appreciation of creative ingenuity, there are plenty of examples of world changing creations you probably pass by in your home every day – without giving them as much as a second glance.
With that in mind, here are five ways domestic design enhances your home.
1. Vacuum cleaner
There’s a mind-blowing variety of vacuum cleaners on the market these days – but when it comes to design classics, buying a Henry model from Numatic International is a wise move.
The squat dirt destroyer didn’t have a face until a bored sales rep drew one on it during downtime at a Lisbon trade fair in 1980.
But the world’s most famous anthropomorphic vacuum has since shifted millions of units – who said a bit of idle scribbling is a waste of time?
2. Bottle opener
Some soft and alcoholic drinks now feature handy twist tops, but others require the time-tested leverage of the humble bottle opener.
According to Delishably, the crimped metal Crown Cork style of bottle cap was invented by William Painter in 1892 and two years later he also invented the Church Key cap lifter which informed current bottle opener designs. It must have been a thirsty intervening period.
3. Toilet
Most of us take the convenience and hygiene of flushing toilets totally for granted. But glancing at History.com’s flush toilet timeline reminds us that we shouldn’t be so flippant about the excellent invention that makes our daily ablutions much more pleasant.
The first modern flushing toilet was invented in 1596 by Sir John Harington – an enterprising godson of England’s Queen Elizabeth I.
4. Egg cups
Archaeologists discovered the earliest eggcups ever (dating from 3AD) in the ruins of Pompeii.
And in the courts of French and English royalty, they’ve been a staple of any self-respecting and sophisticated breakfaster ever since.
So it might come as a shock that they’re still unheard of across swathes of the US – get with the programme America, for goodness sake!
5. Door mats
Some sort of rudimentary door mat might have existed since humans were able to weave artifacts like baskets.
But mats as we know it came to prominence in Europe and Japan in the 19th Century and have become more decorative and durable ever since. Browsing the Kleen-Tex website keeps you informed on the technical qualities of tough mats – take a look and see.
Considering these five ways domestic design enhances your home might add a new dimension to your favourite family space and make you appreciate it even more.
So ends our list, but please share your own household design picks in the comments section.